Tough questions, thoughtful comments welcome!
Harm Reduction Ohio will hold an educational forum on syringe access programs — sometimes called “needle exchanges” — at the Licking County Public Library in downtown Newark, Ohio, on Wednesday, September 12.
The program will explore whether a syringe program would benefit Newark and Licking County, located east of Columbus.
Syringe programs offer sterile needles and syringes to intravenous drug users to reduce the transmission of infectious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis, that can occur when needles are shared. Skeptics fear the programs encourage illegal drug use and can cause crime.
Supporters and opponents are welcome to bring their hopes, concerns and questions. An all-star group of experts will take questions on medical evidence, how programs work and how they are regulated and funded in Ohio.
- William Miller, M.D., infectious disease specialist, chair of epidemiology at the Ohio State University College of Public Health.
- Rick Barclay, manager of Safe Point, a syringe access program in Columbus run by Equitas Health.
- Tara Britton, director of public policy and advocacy, Center for Community Solutions, and author ofSyringe Programs in Ohio.
William Miller, College of Public Health at Ohio State University.
Rick Barclay, manager, Safe Point, in Columbus
Tara Britton, author of Syringe Programs in Ohio.